NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[AllieBrooke]

Thanks jaygatz and disnurse!

jaygatz, I was just checking out the WL and now I'm thinking maybe we should've chosen that over the Swan. I'm really overwhelmed trying to choose between all these awesome looking resorts! But, it sounds like almost everyone here has been very happy with the Swan, so hopefully we will be too.

 

[ozziewags]

More 'Ahhhhhhhhh' pictures.....lol. Sign me up!

Alliebrooke......we loved the Swan, but we also love the WL and the YC and the Poly and others. It is a hard choice, but I couldn't resist the perk for the teachers at the Swan, i.e. the rate!
You will also love the PBH.....and FOTL access....it is a really special perk!

 

[AllieBrooke]

Yumm, that drink looks good!

OzzieWags, would you say that the Swan is just as nice as the WL?

 

[ozziewags]

AllieBrooke....that is a tough question.....when we entered the WL, it took our breath away! We enjoyed it immensely, but we had a courtyard view and it was noisy at night. I wouldn't do that again. Give me the peaceful woods. The transportation at the WL was not the best when we were there, which has been a few years ago. We ended up driving to most parks.
The Swan is very nice and the location can't be beat for the mgm and epcot area. It just depends on price and your mood! I would do both again, in a NY minute!
disnurse........look what I found....just for you.....

 

[Muffy]

Hi Everyone,
I am so excited for my DS and his GF. After much thought and deliberation, they are going to the Dolphin next week for 3 nights! I made the reservation for them today with DH Plat SPG. They have a king corner room with a view of cressent lake and step out balcony! I was hoping for the east wing but it was not to be. They are also going to Universal and Miami. I know they will LOVE the Dolphin and the corner king room! Just wanted to share my news! Happy planning to all folks going to WDW and the S/D!

Muffy

 

[dreamflight99]

Mouseteacher...here's a special one I call the "Coconut cream Dolphin", made especially for YOU! Mmmmm...(LOL)

Hope the "meeting" went okay. My intentions were to "Brighten" your day, not add to the gloom (LOL)! Now, sit back in your chair beside the waterfall, take a sip, and you'll feel MUCH better.

#1hockeymom...at least your HEART was in the right place! (Priceless...indeed, but never tenure!). LOL...

AllieBrooke...Congrats on your upcoming FIRST anniversary! (Mui Especial). AS disnurse & Jay stated...YOU are definitely NOT CRAZY for moving around on your vacation. This summer, I'll be changing locales "8" times, over 7+ weeks! That's a RECORD! Whew. But, it keeps the trip "FRESH". FOTLA is the only way to go @ U.S. & I.O.A.~so the PBH is Primo. I'll be there too, for four eves in a Villa suite overlooking the Bay. Ahhh....just the mention of the place conjures up some indelible images! Make sure to join SPG, (as the others urged), as you may receive a complimentary upgrade. Also, join LOEWS PREFERRED as well.

Ozzie...that's one exotic~looking bev~! Blend one for me, I'll meet you poolside (sighs...and realizes this is not possible today). That picture of the Minnie Nurse piece is ADORABLE!
Have to agree on the WL...as last time we stayed it was a bit "noisy" for us too. Next time, I'm going through KIMMAR for the BEST WL Villa!

Jay...LOL. How rude! (Their response--status updated upgrades are available by contacting Starwood 5 days prior to arrival....) You would think they KNOW us all, by now. What type of accomodations do you have at the WL/AKL? Are you staying concierge at these? We have yet to stay at the AKL, and are eager for some inside info. You'll MUST post details of your stay.

 

[jgates]

Evening guys. Glad to see more lovely pictures. My heart yearns to get to Florida again..... I'm not sure I can wait another year, but I don't think I could stand it if I only went for a short trip either.

HELP HELP!!! TAG FAIRY - I LOST MY TAGS!!!! They were as follows:

Sometimes the TF only visits when you sleep...
Sorry, my Jag is in the shop this week!

I tried to add my own as a 3rd and the other two disappeared!!! HELP ME TAG FAIRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[happytrails2u]

You put de lime in de coconut and drink it at the Dolphin...

TGIF!

 

[Mouseteacher]

ozzie ~ that is a major AWWWWWW picture for disnurse!

DF ~ that is just what the doctor er... nurse ordered. My evening meetings were fine but this day has been nothing but discipline issues!!! A sure sign of spring in school.

Muffy ~

Welcome to our wonderful thread, AllieBrooke.

 

[marymrg]

AllieBrooke:

I like to switch resorts when we are at the world. It can be a pain though........depending on how many people you have and how much you have unpacked. On our recent trip.......we stayed 4 nights at BCV, 2 nights at Coronado and 3 nights at Vero.

The worst pack-up was at BCV. We had unpacked everything (and had to repack) but also had done laundry (which helped in not having to take as much to begin with) and had to clean out the cupboards and the refrig. For our next two stops, everyone lived out of suitcases......which was much easier.

When dh and I go next weekend, we are staying 3 places in 3 nights. I did this on purpose! We fly in late on Saturday and are staying at the airport (Sheraton Suites.......rack up those Starwood points)
Then we are going to the Swan and then to VWL. This was really a spur of the moment trip and I was looking to minimize costs and also to "scope out other hotels". We have never stayed at the VWL (we are fairly new to DVC) or Sheraton Suites. Since we are traveling very light (no kids, only carryon bags) and have a rental car - it will be easy. And, we are not spending much time at the parks - just highlighting our favorite rides. I figure I can rest up from all the moves at new pools everyday!

I promise to report back on WL vs. the Swan. When we visited WL in the past, it did seem transportation took longer.......but it was late at night and maybe the buses weren't running as frequently.

 

[AllieBrooke]

Thanks, everyone, for your ideas and suggestions! Just joined Loew's rewards program and reserved our room at the PBH -- just $189 for a deluxe room with the Entertainment Book discount!

Marymrg, have fun on your trip next weekend! I can't wait to hear what you think of the Swan vs. WL!

 

[Daisimae]

Hi Everyone:

Me and my Sister will be staying at the Swan, two nights, at the very end of July for a convention. After that we are going to change to a moderate or value WDW resort. I have ressies at the All-Stars, (Hoping for a code to get a better price or an upgrade!).

My question is: Will the Swan transfer our luggage for us? I'm also thinking about going one day early, since I'm taking the train down. If I stay at the All-Stars that first night, will they transfer my luggage to the Swan, just as they would a WDW resort?

I'm really excited. This will be my first, possibly last stay at the Swan. I couldn't do it without the convention rates. I just wish hubby was coming with us too, but, we will get to go together next year!

Daisimae ;-)

 

[zurgswife]

Why can't december get here any quicker.....I can't wait to see a Exec suite at the Dolphin.....(I've only previously stayed at a room at the Swan)...but due to SPG points we have 3 nights over Christmas holiday at the Dolphin in a Exec Suite....

I just hope that I get a great view.....

If any body goes down and wants to scope the front desk for the best CL Epcot view Exec Suites please PM me I'd love to know what type of Suites are available ....

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by AllieBrooke
Thanks, everyone, for your ideas and suggestions! Just joined Loew's rewards program and reserved our room at the PBH -- just $189 for a deluxe room with the Entertainment Book discount!

"And WHAT a DELUXE ROOM it IS!"

Absolutely FIVE~STAR all the way! You are in for a TREAT @ this resort (Oversized baths w/terra cotta tile...Foyer too).

Our Villa Suite is Pictured here! It's the Top (Covered w/three arches) patio in the RED building, and the Two Open Terraces to the Right of the red one. So, in all...we have three balconies. It's a slice of HEAVEN (We're there again for 4, possibly 5 eves this summer~SAME villa!).

Another view...our villa is to the Top left of the picture.

jgates..."are you playing with the TECHIE~STUFF again?" LOL. Here's hoping the TAG FAIRY hears your PLEA, and returns your TAGS ASAP!

HappyTrails...LOL! ...and then you "Shake it all around" (Singing with a faux Jamaican accent, like Miss CLEO!...He He).

Mouseteacher...I know all about the Spring Fever epidemic. Fortunately, DD seems either "unaware, or unaffected"...LOL. She's forging ahead as if it were September! (Attended a theater production after school today, has a Steel Drum Performance tomorrow for the Rotary Club (5 hours), plus a relay for Cancer and an SPCA event on Sunday). All these engagements keep her busy, and oblivious to the afflictions of the shifting seasons.

Daisimae...if you truly enjoy the stay at the Swan, you may be able to talk to the desk and extend the rate you are booked at (convention rate). I've done this at other places, and never experienced a problem with this request. As for the transfer of luggage, I do not believe there is any problem with this request.


zurgswife...are you PLAT. SPG? You could always stay in the EXEC SUITES on the Far East Wing, with spectacular views of EPCOT, BW, BC & YC. You would still be able to have the CL privs. I do this each summer, and have the BEST time! We love these suites and the Views they offer. Of course, I could also inquire at the FD, and check-out the Best CL Exec. suites available...in less than TWO MONTHS! I'll have the Sony Vaio with moi, and will PM you for sure with the details.

 

[zurgswife]

So, if I request far west wing, CL for my Exec Suite I might have a chance at getting a view of Epcot....???(my dream)

I'm not Plat Spg....just Gold......I hope I can still request that view area without being Plat...

Thanks for the advice...

 

[lovingthemouse]

Oh Mouseteacher - i can identify with you... try cafeteria duty with seventh graders on a warm, muggy day!!!! Ok, your imaginations have kicked in; you know i love kids but this "hormonal year" really is challenging , both to the kids and the teachers and their parents!!!

DF - "the room with a view" at PB looks so inviting and sitting on one of those balconies with that drink takes me over the top. What was that old commercial - "Calgon, take me away?"

Longing for more days and nights at the Dolphin... not til the fall.
Have a great weekend. Caroline

 

[dreamflight99]

zurgswife...by all means, request the view you wish! On Club Level, the closer you are to the Far EAST WING direction, the closer to Epcot. The closer you are the the Far WEST wing side, the closer to MGM. It all depends upon which view you & your dearest prefer. Also, you may also request the FAR EAST WING, Exec corner suites (8029-two doubles/8033-parlor/8035-king, 9029/9033/9035), with CL privs! You may select either configuration (two doubles or a king, or both with a 2BR suite) for your stay. These suites run up the inside corners of each wing, in each direction. The higher floors offer the BEST unobstructed views of Epcot!

lovingthemouse... Me too. In fact, as soon as I arrive at the PBH, I enter the BR (The covered balcony), and step onto the patio. I sit and sip some frosty cool bevs usually delivered by the room service staff upon my arrival. Along with this is a luscious platter of fresh exotic fruit and chocolates. It's more than cathartic, it's downright spiritual! (Amen). I know I've TRULY arrived in Orlando, after completing this ritual with DH & DD (Virgin bevs for DD... ). In life, it's these "simple pleasures I desire and treasure".

TGIF...ENJOY!

 

[jgates]

Yup DF - I'm guilty - but all I wanted to do was add another 'tag' of my own. The TF's tags were in a 'greyed' off area and I thought they were protected.

So what happens??????? THEY DISAPPEAR!!!!!!!! And where are my Tag Fairies????? THEY DISAPPEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ACK!!!!!!! My whole week has gone like that!

TAG FAIRIES PLEASE HELP!!!! My original tags are shown in the post above.

 

[zurgswife]

Thanks sooo much df99....I'll make sure I request the proper wing...east not west for me....I truly want a view of Epcot....

 

[kimmar067]

...wow, here I am posting for the FIRST TIME on your NEW thread (nothing like a little "Spring Cleaning"!!)....
Guess WHAT??!?!? I just received my "I Conquered the World" Pins!!!! Woohoo!!! They are FABULOUS!!!! THANKS AGAIN (BTW ~ Sorry, Caroline, gotta get that check out today.... )

Thanks again,
kimmar